There are plenty 4th of July celebrations going on throughout the Ark-La-Tex, including some near Shreveport and Bossier City. Here are some of the biggest fireworks displays, city by city.

  • 1

    Shreveport-Bossier, Louisiana

    The big one for Shreveport-Bossier is the KTBS Independence Day Festival, going on July 4, 2014, in downtown Shreveport's Festival Plaza, located at 101 Crockett St, Shreveport, LA 71101.

    A kiddie section will be set up inside Riverview Hall, featuring lots of children's entertainment and activities. The Red River Waterway Commission will also be there handing out free life jackets, as long as supplies last.

    Other events include a cook-off, entertainers B.J. Thomas, Rodney Atkins and Michael Love, and, of course, the fireworks display. Admission is free. [More info]

  • 2

    Jefferson, TX

    If you want to head a little way down the road to east Texas, you can find quite a few celebrations to enjoy. One of my family's favorites is the event in Jefferson. "Jefferson Salutes America" starts at 5 p.m. July 4 at the Otstott Park gazebo downtown, located at the corner of Lafayette and Vale W Lafayette in St. Jefferson, TX 75657‎.

    The fun begins with a children's trike/bike parade, including Uncle Sam himself. The fireworks finale starts at 9:30 p.m. over Big Cypress Bayou, by the downtown bridge. [More Info]

    The Historic Jefferson Railway will also offer a special July 4th weekend, with Saturday narrated day tours at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m., Free Ghost Stories at the depot at 8, and the Gator Ghost Train at 9. The evening trains also feature a fireworks show. The depot is closed Friday the 4th, so it won't interfere with the big celebration downtown.

  • 3

    Texarkana, Texas

    Texarkana celebrates with "Sparks in the Park" at the Four States Fairgrounds. Admission and parking are free, and there are several contests you can participate in. Gates open at 4 p.m., music starts at 6:30, and the fireworks show is at 9:30.

  • 4

    Longview, Texas

    Longview has expanded its annual Fireworks and Freedom Celebration this year. It now includes a concert and festival with activities for the whole family throughout the day. You'll find amusement rides, a hot dog-eating contest, food and beverages, entertainment, a water spray area, Roller Derby, Mustang Car Show, A Salute to the Veterans, Historic Fly Over, and an indoor concert with Neal McCoy and Holly Tucker.

    Everything's going on at the Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Complex, located at 100 Grand Blvd. in Longview, Texas 75604.

    The festival starts at 10 a.m. and lasts through the fireworks show at 8:30 that night. Admission is free, but prices vary for individual activities. Carnival rides range from $2-4, with $15 armbands available.

    For more information, call 903-237-1230.

  • 5

    Tyler, Texas

    Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Tyler is hosting its Fireworks Spectacular, complete with free food while supplies last.

    Activities include a tribute to our military, live music from the 2012 Inspirational Country Music Award Duo of the Year "BRANDED," an illusionist doing shows in the KidStreet Theatre, bounce house and bungee trampoline.

    The event is free and runs from 6:30 until 10 p.m., with fireworks beginning at dusk. The church is located at 13590 State Hwy 110 South, about 2.5 miles south of loop 323 on Troup Hwy 110.

    There are a couple of events set for July 5, as well.

    Tyler's Lindsey Park will host a city fireworks celebration. Concessions will be available starting at around 2 p.m. and fireworks begin at dusk.

    There's another celebration at Lake Tyler Petroleum Club, located at 15898 Eastside Rd in Tyler, TX 75707, from 9 p.m. until midnight. Dustin Becker will perform on the deck overlooking the lake. Fireworks start at 10. Admission is $10 cash only, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.

  • 6

    Ben Wheeler, Texas

    The town of Ben Wheeler is holding "Brooks Bash" to honor Brooks Gremmels. Profits raised go to the Ben Wheeler Arts & Historic District Foundation to help continue Brooks' vision to keep the town moving forward.

    The event runs from 5 to 8:30 p.m., with fireworks at The Pickin' Porch Park beginning at 8:30. It features a variety of musical entertainment, including Shreveport native Jimmy Wallace. [More info]

  • 7

    Natchitoches, LA

    Back here in the boot, you can celebrate the 4th on the Cane in downtown Natchitoches. Admission is free, and events are as follows:

    Classic Car Show on Front Street from 2-9 p.m.

    Recital of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m.

    Musical performances by Shreveport's own Matthew Davidson Band from 3:30-5 p.m., and The Tricentennial Allstars from 6-9 p.m.

    Fireworks show over Cane River Lake at 9 p.m.

    The event also features water slides, food and family fun. For more info, call the Main Street office at 318-352-2749. Natchitoches is a short drive down I-49 from Shreveport.

    Get a map of the downtown Natchitoches area HERE.

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